All in the View

This particular piece will highlight some of his work as it pertains to my life. Dan has an uncanny talent for painting what people are feeling. His vision, brought to life with strokes of a paint brush and water colors that in turn, revive memories, elicit emotions and can put feelings into perspective. I know my world wouldn’t be as bright or beautiful without Dan in it.

So the journey with paintings begins…

The “It Will Get Better Bear”. While I knew Dan prior to his drawing this piece for my sister, Kathi, after her breast cancer diagnosis, I never fathomed it would become her memorial tattoo or the face of the Kathi Cares Program. This simple teddy bear, meant more than words could adequately express to Kathi, my mom and to me. Again, THANK YOU, Dan!

I can’t speak to Dan’s motivation as to how his thoughts transcend the mental plane and make their way to canvas, but he creates such works that one can’t help but take a “Trip Down Memory Lane. Looking at his work, you see your past, the memories become vivid. Painful or joyful, the feelings return as the mind wanders to a place in time that is just for you.

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get by. I know as I have grown older, moved across the country, remarried, buried my father, sister and mother, I am constantly evolving. It seems I am always “Sprouting New Beginnings”. When I feel my life is turning upside down, when I am having a bad day, perhaps even slumped down on the hall closet floor, having a good cry, it’s not long before I feel the bloom of life opening the a new chapter on my life.

My mom installed a love a reading in her children. Artwork depicting books in different facets speaks volumes to me. There are times that I am literally “Turning The Page” in my personal book of life. I have seen the personal growth in myself over the last several years. Life sometimes has a way of making you experience what you never contemplated. I can’t say I have had the best reactions to what I have endured. I can say I have grown and I do my best to see the positives in situations now. It’s all about how you “Weather the Storm”. This one made me smile in particular. I swear, it’s lucky I’m a verbal alcoholic, because if I drank every time I said I would, my liver would not be happy with me. But a few times, yes, a glass of wine has helped me through some rough times. Ok, it took the edge off til I was ready to deal with whatever it was.

I know that there is still much more to experience. I know my trials are not over. There will be more to deal with.

I am “Counting the Days” until I am able to finally meet the man who has brought me endless smiles and plenty of (happy) tears. Who made my sister feel special and loved with the drawing of bear. “The Burning Question” will be what will I ask Dan to paint for my 50th birthday. I will be treating myself to my own very own Dan Angeles painting. Actually, I have already decided on a topic. It will be up to Dan if he is able to display my request in watercolor: “The Impact of Friendship“.

“Underneath It All”, I cannot imagine my life without Dan. I’ve said it before, but my life wouldn’t be complete without his amazing artwork, his support and his thoughtful words. My heart will forever harbor a special place for such a caring soul.